I like DC, Charlotte, and Denver a lot. I know, these cities are all really different. The one thing they have in common is four seasons and a bearable winter. (I know that Denver is cold, but it's not constantly gray like I picture the northeast.)
That being said, H and I are happy in Atlanta and may never move, given that a good academic job is hard to find.
The Northeast is not constantly gray at all. At least here in NJ. If its not raining, its usually beautiful, even when cold. (again, I'm not off the Turnpike where the factories are either- I live where its green)
H would never be happy with all the snow in New England. I guess that would knock out Denver too (I've only visited in summer and fall), but it is so sunny and gorgeous there!
I love the climate and culture of the PNW, but if I'm moving back to the states we're going to be near family so eastern Pa/upstate NY finger lakes area. The winters aren't awesome especially if you live in the snow belt and summers are humid (the one thing I loathe), but overall I like that area. There isn't much you can't drive to within a few hours.
I can't read "Finger Lakes" without thinking of the Lawrence Welk skits on SNL.
"You can take the girl out of the Finger Lakes, but you can't take the Finger out of the girl!"
I like DC, Charlotte, and Denver a lot. I know, these cities are all really different. The one thing they have in common is four seasons and a bearable winter. (I know that Denver is cold, but it's not constantly gray like I picture the northeast.)
That being said, H and I are happy in Atlanta and may never move, given that a good academic job is hard to find.
Post by formerlyak on Oct 29, 2012 14:58:11 GMT -5
I have lived a few other places and will never leave the LA beach cities ever again. I love it here! Great schools. Amazing weather. We own our house. I walk to the beach for breakfast almost every weekend. Two hours to snow if you like snow sports. Good access to water sports. And I like the smiley, laid-back way of life here.
I like the idea of NYC...but in reality I think it's just too big for me. (I initially thought Atlanta would be too big for me, but it's just right. Turns out the city itself isn't big at all, there are just lots of suburbs.)
Post by LoveTrains on Oct 29, 2012 17:50:33 GMT -5
We totally have lots of sun in New England! There is nothing to me like New England in the fall: its the best season. I love the crispness to the air, the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the sunshine while there is a little chill in the air, the beautiful leaves on the trees, etc. My ideal temperature would be like 60-65* year round, but dry and crisp like New England fall.
My sister moved to Seattle, and I have to say, it sounds like the weather really is glorious. The summer is so much nicer in Seattle than it is back East. It's not as hot/humid but its still really nice and sunny. I don't think it gets afternoon thunderstorms like we do on the East Coast.
Post by crashgizmo on Oct 29, 2012 18:06:49 GMT -5
I live in Albuquerque, which never makes any of these posts so I thought I'd throw it out there.
The weather here is awesome- we get all 4 seasons but none of them extreme. A week or two in the summer over 100 and a week or two in the winter with snow. The outdoor life is amazing- hiking, biking, etc. COL is pretty cheap and because it's such an insulated "small/big town" they haven't felt as much of the effects of the economy.
Downside- small town means not as many jobs, there isn't a ton of culture beyond the southwest/native american culture, and the school district isn't that great.
ETA- as a state we are pretty blue and people are fairly liberal in town.
Post by wanderlustmom on Oct 29, 2012 19:39:06 GMT -5
We are happy in Atlanta. Just two downsides, we are in a red state (hate that I'd feel awkward hanging out an Obama sign) and I wish we were closer to the ocean. But it's just beautiful weather wise, so much sunshine, a mild change of seasons, no real worries about driving in snow and ice. The hills and trees are pictureesque, great public schools and you can be outside pretty much the whole year. And lots of things to do and MCOL.
I would love to live in New York or San Francisco, can't afford the housing.
Chicago is hands down my favorite city but my DH couldn't handle the cold.
I keep hearing there isn't a lot of sun in Portland or Seattle, if that's not true based on these posts, I think we could move there, but it's really far from family.
I like Denver too but am a scaredy cat about driving in snow and ice, especially in mountains.
Post by spunkarella on Oct 29, 2012 20:01:03 GMT -5
I haven't read the other responses, but North Carolina!
Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Asheville, I am sure there are other great cities I'm missing.
Every time I visit NC, I say I should live there. Beaches, mountains, mild weather with just enough snow to be fun. Very liberal compared to my current city. Perfection!
We live in Chapel Hill, NC. We LOVE it here. Great weather, but still 4 seasons. Tons of outdoor stuff, interesting people and activities, liberal, great schools and very reasonable housing. It's perfect for us.
I've lived in NYC and it was fun but everything took so long (traffic, crowds, etc). I also really like the DC area, but traffic there is horrible.
I :heart: Decatur. H and I have an ongoing discussion about what neighborhood we want to live in if we buy a forever home in Atlanta. Decatur is my choice (Oakhurst/Agnes Scott area).
I Decatur. H and I have an ongoing discussion about what neighborhood we want to live in if we buy a forever home in Atlanta. Decatur is my choice (Oakhurst/Agnes Scott area).
I'm struggling to see why this even needs to be discussed. Decatur has good schools, cute homes, and great restaurants.